The correspondence between the five poisons and the five elements had always been a headache.
All sorts of theories abounded. Every poisonous creature seemed inextricably linked to two or three elements, and some even argued that certain members of the five poisons could fall under any of the five elements.
Snakes were a major category of soul beasts, and their elemental attributes were particularly complex.
Although most people tended to classify them under water, with wood coming second, Dugu Fu's second soul ring happened to come from a Netherworld Green Snake—an Earth Element outlier.
This choice would undoubtedly cause Dugu Fu considerable trouble.
And when it came to choosing the five poisons, whether to follow generation or overcoming was an even thornier question.
It concerned not only the strength of the poison, but also the individual's ability to withstand it.
Chen Xiaojun rubbed his brow and said solemnly to Dugu Fu, "Fu, we're facing a major decision."
Seeing this, Dugu Fu immediately straightened his back and replied attentively, "Please go ahead, Young Master."
Chen Xiaojun took a deep breath and slowly said, "The path of the five elements encompasses both generation and overcoming. Which do you intend to choose?"
Dugu Fu pondered briefly, then asked, "What's the difference between the two?"
Chen Xiaojun explained, "If you choose the path of overcoming, then, as I said, you'll fight poison with poison. It might temporarily suppress the Jade-Scaled Snake venom in your body, but this process will take time, until the cycle of five elements overcoming has fully formed."
"But if you choose the path of generation, your poison may grow increasingly potent. With every poisonous creature you add, the danger will increase. It will be an even crueler race against time than before."
Dugu Fu's gaze shifted slightly as he listened.